The Importance of Age-Inclusive Language
Language is a powerful tool that shapes perceptions and attitudes. The terms we use to describe older adults can either reinforce negative stereotypes and ageist biases or promote respect and dignity. Ageism—discrimination based on age—has been shown to have serious implications for the physical and mental health of older people, including reduced quality of life and even earlier death. By choosing our words carefully, we can help build a more inclusive society where individuals are valued for who they are, regardless of their age.
Preferred Terminology: Building a Respectful Vocabulary
Organizations dedicated to aging, such as the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Gerontological Society of America (GSA), recommend using person-first, neutral, and specific language. The goal is to focus on the person, not just their age group.
- Older adults: This is the most widely accepted and neutral term, endorsed by groups like the American Medical Association (AMA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). It avoids the patronizing tone associated with older terms.
- Older people or older persons: Similar to "older adults," these are respectful and accurate descriptions.
- People aged X and older: Using a specific age or age range is useful for precision, especially in research or specific contexts (e.g., "people aged 75 to 84").
- Person with [Condition]: When referring to a health condition, use person-first language (e.g., "person with dementia" instead of "demented person"). This acknowledges the individual beyond their diagnosis.
Outdated and Problematic Terms to Avoid
Many common terms, though sometimes used without malicious intent, can carry negative connotations or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Recognizing and avoiding them is a key step toward age-inclusive communication.
- Elderly: This term often implies frailty, dependence, and poor health. It is outdated and generally best to avoid.
- Seniors/Senior Citizens: While still in use, many older adults find these terms patronizing or generalizing. It’s better to use a more specific or neutral term. AARP notes that while the term "senior" may be accepted in some contexts, such as discounts, it can be unwelcome in others.
- The Aged: Treating an entire group of people as a monolithic category is both inaccurate and disrespectful.
- Golden Ager/Golden Years: These euphemistic terms can minimize the real challenges that many people face as they age and imply that there is a “right” or “wrong” way to grow older.
- Silver Tsunami: This term, often used in a fatalistic sense, frames the growing older population as a problem or a burden on society rather than a demographic shift.
- Geriatric: This is a medical term referring to the branch of medicine dealing with older people. It should be used only in a clinical context, not to describe individuals or groups.
Practical Tips for Respectful Communication
Beyond specific terminology, the way you interact with older adults is crucial. Avoid "elderspeak," a simplified and often condescending form of communication that can sound like baby talk.
- Listen actively: Give your full attention and be patient. Don’t interrupt or rush to finish their sentences.
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace: Adjust your volume if needed, but don't shout. Enunciate your words and make eye contact.
- Treat them as an individual: Acknowledge their vast life experience and avoid assumptions based on age. Focus on their interests, opinions, and contributions.
- Avoid patronizing behavior: Sit at the same level as the person and maintain a respectful, empathetic tone.
Table: Comparing Terms
| Outdated/Problematic Terms | Recommended Alternatives | Why the Change is Important |
|---|---|---|
| Elderly | Older adult, older person, individual over 65 | "Elderly" often implies frailty and loss of function, perpetuating negative stereotypes. |
| Senior citizen | Older adult, member of the community | "Senior citizen" can be patronizing and fails to acknowledge diversity within the age group. |
| The aged | The older population, older adults | This term dehumanizes by generalizing an entire demographic. |
| Suffering from arthritis | Person diagnosed with arthritis | Person-first language respects the individual beyond their diagnosis and avoids fatalistic framing. |
| Golden years, silver tsunami | Older adulthood, population aging, demographic shift | These euphemisms can be dismissive of the challenges of aging and paint population trends negatively. |
Debunking Common Myths About Aging
Part of using respectful language is dismantling the myths that underpin ageist attitudes. Many older adults remain active, engaged, and independent.
- Myth: All older adults are lonely and isolated.
- Fact: Many older people maintain strong social connections through family, friends, and community groups. Isolation is a risk but not an inevitability.
- Myth: Older adults can't learn new things.
- Fact: The ability to learn and adapt continues throughout life. Lifelong learning offers significant cognitive benefits, and many older adults actively pursue new hobbies and skills.
- Myth: Memory loss and dementia are normal parts of aging.
- Fact: While some cognitive changes are normal, severe memory loss is not. Diseases like Alzheimer's and other dementias are medical conditions, not a standard consequence of getting older.
How to Advocate for Respectful Language
Promoting age-inclusive language is a collective effort. Individuals, families, and organizations all have a role to play.
- Share information: Gently and respectfully educate others on preferred terminology. For example, you might say, "I've learned that 'older adult' is a more respectful term than 'elderly.'"
- Lead by example: Consistently use person-first and inclusive language in your own conversations and writing.
- Support advocacy organizations: Groups like the National Council on Aging work to challenge ageism and ensure older adults are treated with dignity. The Administration for Community Living also advocates for older adults at the federal level.
- Utilize reliable resources: Refer to style guides from authoritative bodies like the American Medical Association, the Associated Press, or the National Institute on Aging. For example, the NIA provides excellent guidance in their blog post "Don't call me 'old'" for avoiding ageism in writing.
Conclusion: A Shift in Perspective
Ultimately, the politically correct way to refer to older people is a nuanced matter that centers on respect, specificity, and empathy. The shift toward person-first language reflects a greater understanding of the diversity and richness of later life. By moving away from outdated labels and adopting inclusive language, we not only improve our communication but also help dismantle ageist attitudes that can be detrimental to the well-being of millions. Embracing this change allows us to see older adults not as a homogenous group defined by a number, but as individuals with unique experiences, wisdom, and continued contributions to society.
